When it comes to great BBQ, the South is known for its abundance of options. As we were collecting restaurants to feature in last week’s post, it didn’t seem fair to only showcase five places. We decided to settle in and stay in the South a little longer and postpone the West Coast road trip until next week. Buckle your seatbelt and get ready for another list of five mind blowing BBQ joints.
Old Brick Pit Barbecue, Atlanta, GA
Old Brick Pit is known for sticking with tradition. They have been using the same BBQ recipe for over forty years since first opening their doors. Their classic vinegar-based sauce is why they have become so popular. They offer affordable and delicious pulled pork sandwiches, BBQ rib plates, ribs.
Swig & Swine is a modern BBQ restaurant with classic techniques. They cook their meats low and slow and compliment them with a variety of craft beers on tap. They opened in 2013, which shows given their sleek website and interior decor. Swig & Swine was featured on BuzzFeed, The BBQ Hub, Charleston Magazine, and more!
Cozy Corner has been a Tennessee classic since 1977. They are open every day except Sunday and Monday. They have been showcased in Southern Living, Bon Appetit, Business Week, and many other publications for their top-tier BBQ and atmosphere. Their offerings include dinner plates, sandwiches, wings, desserts, and everything in between.
Dreamland Bar-B-Q, Tuscaloosa, AL
Dreamland, which is now an Alabama chain, first opened in 1958. The original owner went by the name “Big Daddy." He said God visited him in a dream and said it was time to open a restaurant. It had simple beginnings, selling anything from burgers to post office stamps. Quickly, their ribs, white bread, and the sauce became more than a local legend, and people from all over the country were eager to get a taste. Their slogan, “Ain’t nothing like ‘em nowhere,” explains why people from across the country will order meat packages and sauces from them online.
Although you can’t currently dine-in, Franklin’s offers curbside pick-up to take home and enjoy. Texas monthly recognized them for “serving the best barbecue in the universe." One of the owner’s Aaron, received the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: Southwest in 2015. If this doesn’t speak to the quality of BBQ, I don’t know what will! He and his wife make a great team, as she is very entrepreneurial and focused on the business side of things. Franklin’s is more than a BBQ joint. They offer master classes, sell books, and provide national shipping.
